How Much Does a DUI Cost in San Diego?

How a $390 Fine Becomes Thousands of Dollars

California Vehicle Code § 23536 sets the base fine for a first DUI between $390 and $1,000. That number is only the starting point. State and county law add mandatory penalty assessments to every fine, along with a state surcharge, a DNA fund fee, and court operations fees. Together these typically multiply the base fine four to five times. Judges cannot waive the assessments, so a first offense usually costs $1,800 to $3,600 or more in court costs alone.

DMV Costs and the 10-Day Deadline

A DUI arrest starts two separate cases: the criminal case in court and an Administrative Per Se (APS) action with the DMV. The DMV can suspend your license even if the criminal case is later reduced or dismissed.

You have just 10 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing. If you miss that window, the suspension takes effect automatically, usually for four months on a first offense with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Getting your license back requires a $125 reissue fee and proof of insurance through an SR-22 filing.

Insurance: The Largest Long-Term Expense | DUI Cost in San Diego

For most drivers, insurance is the most expensive part of a DUI. California requires an SR-22 for at least three years after a DUI-related suspension. During that time, premiums often increase by 80% to 130% or more. That adds several thousand dollars over three years. Some insurers drop the Good Driver Discount, move drivers into high-risk policies, or cancel coverage altogether.

DUI School and Ignition Interlock Devices

DUI programs: Completing a state-licensed DUI program is required by both the court and the DMV. A first offender with a standard BAC is usually ordered into a three-month program, which costs roughly $600 to $800 in San Diego County. A high BAC or a prior offense can mean a nine-month or 18-month program, with tuition of $1,800 or more.

Ignition interlock: An ignition interlock device (IID) keeps your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Expect $70 to $150 to install it, plus $60 to $100 per month for monitoring and calibration. Repeat offenses require the device for longer periods.

Costs Most Drivers Don’t Plan For

Beyond the court and DMV bills, a DUI often brings expenses that are easy to overlook:

• Bail: Typically $2,500 to $10,000 or more, or a non-refundable fee if you use a bail bondsman.
• Towing and impound: Retrieving your vehicle can cost hundreds of dollars.
• Alternative transportation: Rideshares and transit costs add up during a suspension.
• Lost income: You may miss work for court dates and classes.
• Professional consequences: Nurses, teachers, and other licensed professionals may face board review. A commercial driver’s license is disqualified for one year after a first DUI conviction, even if the offense happened in a personal vehicle.

When DUI Penalties Increase

Costs rise sharply for repeat offenses within California’s 10-year lookback period. Aggravating factors also trigger sentencing enhancements that bring more jail time, longer DUI programs, and higher fees. Those factors include:

• A BAC of 0.15% or higher
• Having a child under 14 in the vehicle
• Causing an injury

A felony DUI involving injury can also bring state prison exposure, restitution, and separate civil lawsuits.

How a DUI Defense Can Lower Your Total Cost | DUI Cost in San Diego

A defense attorney can reduce your costs by challenging the case against you. Common strategies include questioning whether the traffic stop was lawful, examining breath and blood test procedures, and reviewing the chain of custody for blood samples.

When dismissal isn’t possible, a reduced charge can still save you thousands. A “wet reckless” (reckless driving involving alcohol, under Vehicle Code § 23103.5) usually brings:

• Lower fines
• A shorter alcohol program
• Shorter probation
• No automatic court-ordered license suspension

A wet reckless still counts as a prior offense if you are arrested for DUI again within 10 years.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a DUI, contact Dod Law to review the facts of your case and understand your options.  Dod Law serves San Diego and Southern California, helping clients defend against federal gun charge penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions | DUI Cost in San Diego

Act Now!  Call Dod Law

The costs of a DUI start the day of your arrest, and the 10-day DMV deadline arrives quickly. Dod Law can review your stop, your test results, and your options for reducing or dismissing the charge. Contact Dod Law at to schedule a case review.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with Dod Law or Dod Ghassemkhani, Esq. Every criminal case is unique, and the laws, legal principles, and procedures discussed may not apply to your specific circumstances.

You should not act upon or rely on any information contained in this article without first consulting a qualified criminal defense attorney regarding your particular situation. If you have been arrested, are under investigation, or are facing criminal charges in San Diego County and Southern California, contact Dod Law to schedule a confidential consultation with Dod Ghassemkhani, Esq., and receive legal guidance tailored to your case.